Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain

I am a Sephora make-up snob.  However I have been hearing such great things about these lip stains that I had to give them a try.  Conveniently they were on sale when I was browsing the isles of Shoppers Drug Mart 2 for $15.  I opted for one in my comfort range, and one a bit outside of it.

The darker berry shade on the top is 005 Crush and the light pink shade is 001 Honey.  There are three finishes in this line: matte, glossy, and stain.  The colours I pick up are stains.

These have a peppermint scent that is noticeable when you smell it, but not overbearing when you wear it.  On my lips it feels fresh and clean.  Bonus: Kiss friendly scent.

Left: Crush

Right: Honey

Wearing Crush!

I applied Crush at about 2:00 pm.  After eating, drinking, talking, and everything else that comes with daily life it was still on and going strong at 9:00 pm.  After a bit it lost its glossy (but not sticky) feel and  left behind a berry stain.  At first I was concerned that this colour was too dark for me but it faded to be a pretty berry shade.  As for Honey, it is the perfect "my lips but better" shade!

Bonus: After it sets no stain gets left behind when you sip tea or kiss somebody special!   

For my first venture into the regular section of a drug store for lip products (with the exception of Baby Lips by Maybelline)  in a very long time I would say these are pretty great.  These will be perfect for an office appropriate or summer casual look.  Light, fresh, and oh so pretty.  I am very happy with this purchase!

Luxe Box: Summer 2014

Luxe Box is one of my favourite boxes.  I have always been satisfied with my box, and I look forward to it every season.  The only thing I would change is that they release their upgrade boxes sporadically rather than all at once.  This means that you risk upgrading for a box you like, and missing out on a box you love.

That aside, I usually don't upgrade because the boxes are so nice anyways.

This month has some interesting upgrade options!

They range in price, and you can only order one.  Some how I missed the BaubleBar email.  I love their products but I just can't get myself to pay their shipping charges.  If I could, I would have ordered the pink one.  The Butter London gift is also quite nice, but with all my incoming Julep orders I just don't need it.

Hawaiian Punch Upgrade +$6 SOLD OUT

• Nicole by OPI | Something About Spring Nail Lacquer (3.75 mL)
• Hot Pink nail polish, full sized

• Teeez | Eve’s Ready to Wear Lipstick in “Cocktail Shock Pink” (Full Size)

• Teeez | Island Palette Eyeshadow in “Beach Glow” (Full Size)

• Barefoot Venus | Coconut Kiss Macadamia Oil Hand Cream (60 mL)

• Eslor | Introductory Collection (4 x 5 mL)

• Nexxus | Color Assure Sulfate-Free System (2 x 5 mL, 1 x 9 mL)

• Loose Button | Angled Tweezers (Full Size)

Summer Vows Upgrade +$6

• Nicole by OPI | Sweet Surrender (3.75 mL)
• Baby pink nail polish, full sized
• Eyeko | Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner in “Black” (1.18 mL)
• Teeez | Spectrum of Stars Eyeshadow in “Vanilla Sunbeam” (Full Size)
• Crabtree & Evelyn | Ultra-Moistuising Hand Therapy (25 mL)
• Hanae Mori | Butterfly (4 mL)
• Nexxus | Youth Renewal Elixir (4 mL)
• DERMAdoctor | KP Duty Moisturizing Therapy (30 mL)
• English Laundry | Notting Hill Eau de Parfum for Him (5 mL)

Anchors Away Upgrade +$4

• Nicole by OPI | I Shop Mintage (3.75 mL)
• Mint green nail polish, full sized
• Joseph Nogucci | IRIS Glass Beads (2 Beads) *Pandora compatible
• Teeez | Mysterious Crystal Eyeliner in “Lovely Lapis Lazuli” (Full Size)
• 4 to 5 top surprise summer picks by our Beauty Editors

I am almost tempted by the Anchors Away box.  I love nautical styled things however this box doesn't seem on trend for "nautical" for me.  I love mint polish, and I am sure that the navy eyeliner is nice, but they don't scream "nautical" to me.  I picture a nice red-orange matte lipstick, and clean, natural eyes.  Also, what's up with the beads?  No thank you.

Knowing that regular Luxebox boxes often contain items in the special boxes, here is my wish list:

• Teeez | Spectrum of Stars Eyeshadow in “Vanilla Sunbeam” (Full Size)
• Crabtree & Evelyn | Ultra-Moistuising Hand Therapy (25 mL) OR
• Barefoot Venus | Coconut Kiss Macadamia Oil Hand Cream (60 mL)
• Nicole by OPI | I Shop Mintage (3.75 mL)
• Pink BaubleBar (A girl can dream!!)

I can't wait to see what arrives!  What are you keeping your fingers crossed for?

The pink BaubleBar that wasn't.

I customer service to see if there were any BaubleBars left.  Unfortunately there weren't, but the nice lady offered me a one time exception to upgrade to the sold out Butter London set.  For $9 I figured why not!  I still get my usual 7-8 items, and the Butter Londons could make a nice gift. 

May: Favourites, Empties, and Wish List

Favourites

The Works Onion Rings and Beachhouse Sauce

I have to admit, I was never really an "onion ring" person.  Until my boyfriend took me to The Works for the first time last year.  Now we go about once a month.  Every time we order the Onion Ring Tower.  He likes to switch up his sauce, but I always ask for Beachhouse.  It reminds me of a garden veggie ranch, he says its a mayo, but whatever it is, it is delicious.  We had a pretty stressful day last week, so to make it better we went out for a nice lunch.  These delicious, perfect onion rings hit the spot.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

Shoppers Drug Mart

I envy those who can walk outside and get a nice golden tan.  I am really, really pale so this SPF 60 is my best friend.  Last week I forgot my sunscreen for an hour, and I got quite the burn.  At least when it gets better it will be a tan.  

Unique Graphique Rosa Notebook

$10 Papyrus

Last month I noticed this pretty little book while I was meandering The Path in downtown Toronto.  IT was $10.  It was floral.  And now, it is mine.  I love that when I have an idea to jot down, or a list to make that I can pull this little feminine book out.

Empties

Benefit: They're Real Mascara

I know, I know, one should only keep a mascara around for 3 months.  I have had this one around for...a while.  I love how it looks when its on, but I am not a fan of plastic mascara brushes (I love the big fluffy ones!) and I find the formula pretty tough to remove.  I have placed myself on a strict mascara no-buy since about December because I have a dozen mini mascaras, and four unopened full sized mascaras to get through.  I might re-purchase this one one day, but when I get through my mascara stash my first mascara purchase will be Make Up For Ever's Smokey Lash.  

Wish List

Yves Saint Laurent: Gloss Volupté #19

I was at the Bay a few weeks ago when I was handed two samples of 3 lip glosses.  I fell in love with the kiss-shapped applicator.  This gloss adds a nice glimmer to my lips and I can't wait to pick the full size!  In the winter I am all about lipstick, but this spring I can't get enough of glosses!  I really like that this one isn't sticky.  

Yves Saint Laurent: Touche Éclat #1

YSL has the prettiest, classiest packaging!  I love the look of this gold pen.  I have eyed it in store for months, and have tried it, I love how it brightens under my eyes and conceals evidence of my lack of sleep.  Maybe at the end of June I will take the $50 plunge.

Benefit: Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Lollibalm

I doubt this works better than any other tinted lip balm but it is so so so so pretty.  I love the packaging. I love that it is on trend with the colour of the year.  I love the colour.  I don't need it.  But I want it.

Update:  I tried it in Shoppers Drug Mart.  I love how it makes my lips feel however I didn't really notice it on.  Before I decide if I am going to buy it I am going to try one of those EOS sphere lip balms.  

Julep Discount Codes

Sales and coupons.  My two favourite things.  There are very few polishes that I am willing to pay the full $11.20 Maven price for Julep nail polishes.  With that in mind I have put together a little list of coupons that are currently valid on julep.com.  Play around with them to get the best deal.

Keep in mind that these do not work on monthly Maven boxes, Mystery Boxes, or Secret Store purchases.  However, sometimes there are ways to make it work.  Last month many girls (like me!) were able to use "OILPERK" to get a free Bare Face Oil with the purchase of a mystery box.

POLISHPERK

• Mavens can use it twice from now until July 31.
• A free polish with a $15 purchase .
• Add the $15+ item, and the polish you want.  Then use "POLISHPERK" to get the polish for free!

If I use this I will get Max and Mae (Or Maren and Laree if they come back in stock!) 

2 Konjac Sponges ($9.60 x 2 =$19.20) + Polish

Awestruck or Adored lipgloss $16.00 each + Polish

PERK1020

• Valid until July 31
• $10 off of a $20 purchase
• Apparently Mavens can use this code twice until July 31.

SPRINGPERK

• Valid until July 31
• 30% off your purchase.  I think the minimum purchase is $30?

OILPERK

(Not sure if it still works!)

• Put the Bare Face oil in your cart and then add $25+ of product.  Type in the code, and the oil will be free!  I was able to use this with a Mystery Box.  Bonus points!

New Mavens are also getting a one time use 50% off code.

Do you know of any other valid Julep codes?  Let me know in the comments!

Julep Memorial Day Mystery Box

Ah, the Mystery Box.  I ordered my very first Mystery Box from Julep last August.  It was the "Big Picnic Mystery Box which retailed for $39.99 and included the mini lip stick trio and a handful of polishes that I was indifferent to.  I really enjoyed Evie (the hot pink with gold shimmer) and Dianna (teal).  I know I gave Vanessa (glitter top coat) to my little cousin, and the rest ended up in my collection or in my mom's.  Wile the retail value of the goods was $126, the "Maven" price was $100.  Pretty decent value for $40, but I did not really love $40 worth of product.

Big Picnic Mystery Box

Fast forward to today.  Mystery boxes have come and gone and I have always resisted the temptation.  I almost went in for the St. Patrick's Day box, but I resisted.  I have really enjoyed my monthly boxes, and have taken advantage of the odd deal here and there.

Something about these mystery boxes caught my eye.  There are ten different boxes, priced at $10, $15, $25, and $40.  Each box features an item or two that will be included in the box.  This means that we get a peek at what is inside, while leaving something to the imagination.

Feeling a bit jaded that I missed out on the pretty pink gift with purchase a week or two ago, I was instantly drawn to box #1, with the minty green bag.  I was also interested in #4 (cuticle remover) and #10 (Harriet).  I called up my mom, and she agreed to split a box with me. Yay!

I should also point out that I was interested in #2, but I need another blush and make-up brush like I need a hole in the foot.  No seriously, I will do a post about my favourite blushes, or my whole blush collection.  I'm pretty proud of me :D

We decided on #1 (She's not interested in the minty green bag so its mine!), and then I added on #10 for myself. I had been thinking of ordering Harriet on and off for a bit, so I figured why not!

Box #1 Hint: Tips in Top Shape

Taryn is included in Box #1

Box #1 has a $143 value.  I'm not sure what they value the mint bag at, but I hope they don't screw us and make it high.  Given the tip, and that a glitter polish is included, my bet is that "The Party's Over Glitter Nail Polish Removal System" will be included ($28).  That would be fun to try!  I will be keeping my fingers crossed for the Moisture Mask Trio, and some make up brushes.  I don't know what use I will have for Taryn, so if it ships on time it might find its way into my cousin's birthday gift!

Box #10 Hint: File Under Guava-licious

I also decided to add on Box #10.  I want to give Harriet a go, after skipping the March Box, and figured I was spending $40, so what is another $10!  This box is valued at $33.  That leaves $19 in mystery...my bet is on some sort of nail or foot file, and a lip gloss.  Maybe Darring?  I actually like their lip glosses, so that could be nice!

Harriet swatch from Julep.  Perfect pedicure colour!

What I find interesting is that none of their boxes will have any of the same items.  This means I won't be getting: the sparkly clutch, big blush brush, peach blush, no beach tonic (which I really don't want), cuticle softener, cuticle pushing tool, face oil or sponge, pedi cream, toe separators, Oxygen, or Roz, Missy, Sheila, or Taylor.

I am thankful that the beach tonic will not make its way to my box.  I would love to give the blush brush a try, maybe if it is a decent price in the secret store one day.

OH AND THE BEST PART.  Most Julep codes don't work on these boxes.  But if you add the Bare Face Oil to your cart, plus $25+ of product, use the code "OILPERK" and the oil will be free.  I added that to my order since its free, and free is good.

Very excited to see what comes my way.  What about you?  Did you order a box?

Blog Re-Launch

Thank you for taking the time to drop by my blog!  For those who have been by over the last few months, you will probably notice some changes.  I have decided to re-focus, and re-name.  My new goal is to make 3 or so quality blog posts per week.  Classy On The Run is for all you ladies who are crazy busy, but still want to enjoy the best things in life.  I know this has been a busy, but exciting few months for me, and I can;t wait to get back into the swing of this!

Topbox March 2014

Worst.  Box.  Ever.

Topbox is totally hit and miss.  If you get a privé box then you are golden.  If not... well if not you get this:

-2 foil packs

-1 lip balm

-1 mini lip gloss-stick

-1 skin serum

Foil packets should be banned from these boxes.  Its nice they included two?  Its a facial mask.  That I likely will not ever use.

And the Estee Lauder serum...I have 4 of these in my makeup bin.  All of which were free samples at Sephora.

 Awful foil packs.

A standard lip balm.  And a Clinique lipstick which is nice, but I have also received 3 of these for free at Sephora.

Upon opening this box I promptly cancelled my subscription.  My $10 a month will be well spent at Sephora.

Luxebox by Loose Button Spring 2014

Luxebox is by far my favourite of my subscription boxes.  However this month wasn't the greatest.  Not bad.  Not great.  But good.

Last time I received hair care samples in my box I got the conditioner, but not the shampoo (different brand).  So it was nice to get both.  They smell great, but I haven't given them a try yet.  Love that they are Argan Oil products though.  Always bonus points in my books!

Weird life style products.  The mints in the box are cute, and taste good.  I love having them in my purse!  As for the work out head band, its cute, so maybe it will motivate me to work out more?

PRETTY PACKAGING!

So this bottle is basically the same as a Julep polish which means that it fits right in to my collection!  Its  a pretty pink-orange-tan colour.  But the packaging....oooooh the packaging.

Another eye cream!  It is perfectly fine.  But I never notice much of a difference.

** There was also a men's cologne which I gave to my boyfriend.